Adeleke, others unhurt as stage collapses at Osun political rally

There was apprehension in Osun State on Wednesday following the sudden collapse of a podium where guests, including Governor Ademola Adeleke, were seated at a rally held in Ijebu-Jesa.

In a 30-second video obtained by The PUNCH, Adeleke, his deputy, Kola Adewusi, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, and the spokesperson for the Imole Campaign Council, Pelumi Olajengbesi, were among those seated on the podium when the incident occurred.

The video showed songs being rendered when the event anchor brought the session to an end and was about to announce the next item on the programme before the podium caved in.

A source at the event, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment, said the incident disrupted the programme.

He, however, added that the event resumed after security personnel assisted those affected out of the rubble.

“The incident happened. The event was the inauguration of the Imole canvassers for Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency. It was held in Ijebu-Jesa and the crowd was a bit much.

“The governor and some members of his cabinet were seated in that particular part of the podium that collapsed. There was no casualty. The event resumed and the governor addressed the gathering after the incident,” he said.

When contacted for confirmation and reaction, the deputy spokesperson to the governor, Oladele Bamiji, said the incident was not as serious as being portrayed.

“The event thereafter went on smoothly with the governor and the members of his cabinet. No injuries.

“Had there been any fatal accident, the event would not have continued. There were no casualties. The governor, after leaving the venue, went to another event in Odo-Otin Local Government Area,” Bamiji said.